Rapid Arena stadium illuminated during its inauguration evening from South Stand view

Stadionul Rapid Giulești

Stadionul Rapid-Giulești: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Guide to Bucharest’s Historic Football Landmark

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Stadionul Rapid-Giulești—also known as Superbet Arena—is more than just a modern football stadium in Bucharest. Rooted in the Giulești neighborhood’s working-class traditions and the storied history of Rapid București, the stadium is a vibrant cultural hub and architectural landmark. Whether you are a dedicated supporter, a traveler interested in Bucharest’s historic sites, or a fan of contemporary stadium design, this guide brings together everything you need to know about visiting Stadionul Rapid-Giulești: its history, significance, architecture, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, travel tips, and nearby attractions.

Rapid Arena exterior on inauguration day, 26 March 2022

Rapid Arena light show on inauguration day, March 26 2022

Fans celebrating at Rapid Arena during inauguration day on 26 March 2022

Introduction
History and Origins
Architectural Evolution
Cultural and Sporting Significance
Practical Visitor Information
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Matchday and Fan Culture
Notable Features and Innovations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Final Tips
References

History and Origins

The Birth of an Icon

Stadionul Rapid-Giulești was first inaugurated in 1939 as Stadionul Giulești-Valentin Stănescu (Romanian Soccer). Built by the Romanian Railways Company (CFR) and inspired by classic English stadiums, it quickly became a pillar of community pride and home to Rapid București. The neighborhood’s railway heritage and working-class character were forever intertwined with the club’s identity.

From Old to New: Demolition and Rebirth

After 80 years of service, the original stadium was demolished in 2019 to make way for a new, state-of-the-art arena. The new Stadionul Rapid-Giulești opened in 2022, designed to meet UEFA standards while honoring the club’s legacy with its distinctive maroon and white colors and references to Art Deco architectural motifs (BigSEE; StadiumDB).

Architectural Evolution

Design and Concept

The new stadium, crafted by Graphic Studio and partners, occupies a compact urban footprint and blends modern solutions with nods to its predecessor (BigSEE). The façade features a white ribbon with vertical sunshades, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while maroon accents connect visually to the club’s long-standing heritage (Anuala).

Capacity and Facilities

Seating: 14,047 covered seats arranged for optimal sightlines, with club symbols and the year “1923” (Rapid’s founding) embedded in the seating design (StadiumDB).
VIP and Hospitality: Premium boxes, lounges, and hospitality suites.
Accessibility: Ramps, elevators, accessible seating, and restrooms (FC Rapid).
Hybrid Turf: A technologically advanced natural and synthetic pitch ensures top playing conditions year-round.

Lighting and Screens

Floodlights capable of 2000 lux illuminate the pitch for international broadcasts, while two large LED screens behind the goals provide live match information (StadiumDB).

Internal Facilities

Club museum
Athlete hotel and canteen
Multipurpose training halls
Club offices and event spaces (Anuala)

Cultural and Sporting Significance

A Community Symbol

Stadionul Rapid-Giulești is central to the identity of the Giulești neighborhood and the passionate “Giuleșteni” supporters. On matchdays, the stadium comes alive with coordinated chants, banners, and tifos, creating an electric atmosphere (Ultras Tifo).

Sporting Legacy

The stadium has hosted countless domestic derbies, Romanian Cup finals, and memorable European nights against top clubs like Anderlecht and Hamburg (UEFA). It has also served as a training venue for UEFA Euro 2020 (UEFA Euro 2020 Guide).

Practical Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

Guided Tours: Generally available Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Superbet Arena). Hours may vary on matchdays—always check the official website before your visit.
Matchdays: Gates open 1.5 to 2 hours before kick-off.

Tickets

Purchase Online: Superbet Arena or Rapid București
Box Office: Open on event days.
Price Range: 20–100 RON for most matches; prices vary by seating and event.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access: Ramps, elevators, and designated seating.
Inclusive Amenities: Accessible restrooms, family-friendly seating, and assistance for visually or hearing-impaired visitors.

Getting There

Metro: Grivița or Crângași stations (Line M1), both within walking distance (Mapcarta).
Train: Basarab railway station nearby.
Bus & Tram: Multiple lines serve the Giulești area.
Taxi/Rideshare: Services like Bolt and Uber are widely available.
Parking: Very limited on-site; public transport is highly recommended.

Guided Tours

Experience: Explore the pitch, locker rooms, VIP suites, and club museum.
Booking: Reserve online or at the stadium.
Language: Tours are generally in Romanian; check for English-language availability.

Facilities and Amenities

Modern restrooms, food and beverage kiosks, and a club shop
Free Wi-Fi and charging stations
Baby-changing facilities
First aid and lost-and-found services

Safety and Security

Security checks at all entry points
CCTV and crowd management systems
Clearly marked emergency exits and on-site medical staff

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Golescu Grant Community Center: A local cultural hub
Crângași Park: Green space for relaxation before or after events
Local Dining: Traditional Romanian restaurants and lively cafes in Giulești and Grivița
Bucharest Historical Sites: Old Town, Palace of the Parliament, Romanian Athenaeum—all accessible via public transport

Travel Tips:

Arrive early, especially on matchdays, to avoid queues and savor the pre-match atmosphere.
Use public transport to bypass parking challenges.
Carry some cash, though most vendors accept cards.
Basic Romanian phrases can enhance your experience, but English is widely spoken.

Matchday and Fan Culture

Attending a Rapid match is an immersive experience. Fans march from neighborhood pubs to the stadium, singing and waving maroon and white flags. Inside, coordinated displays and relentless chants make Stadionul Rapid-Giulești one of the most atmospheric venues in Romania (Superbet Arena; Eurosport).

Notable Features and Innovations

Hybrid Turf: Durable and weather-resistant
2000 Lux Floodlighting: For crisp night matches and TV broadcasts
Club Museum: Chronicling Rapid’s rich history
Sustainable Design: Energy-efficient lighting and water systems
Multipurpose Spaces: Support events beyond football

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for Stadionul Rapid-Giulești?
A: Tours generally run Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; matchday hours differ. Check the official website for updates.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Purchase online, at the stadium’s box office, or from authorized retailers. Prices start from 20 RON.

Q: Is the stadium accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes—ramps, elevators, reserved seating, and accessible restrooms are provided.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, covering the pitch, VIP, and museum areas. Book in advance, especially during the football season.

Q: What are recommended nearby attractions?
A: Golescu Grant Community Center, Crângași Park, and Bucharest’s Old Town.

Summary and Final Tips for Visiting Stadionul Rapid-Giulești

Stadionul Rapid-Giulești is a living symbol of Bucharest’s sporting and cultural legacy. Its blend of history and modernity, passionate fanbase, and strategic location make it a top destination for visitors. To maximize your experience:

Consult official sources for updated visiting hours and ticket information
Use public transport for convenience
Explore nearby attractions to enrich your visit
Download the Audiala app for live updates, interactive maps, and audio guides

Whether you attend a match, take a guided tour, or simply soak up the Giulești spirit, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for Romanian football and community culture.